To learn English effectively, assess your proficiency level and immerse yourself in the language through courses, media, and daily practice. At ILAC, student activities promote immersion in English and Canadian culture. Focus on practical application, seek feedback, and enjoy the journey!
Is English an easy language to learn? No, not really. Even native speakers struggle with its spelling rules and odd exceptions; what more for international learners?
But there’s no doubt it’s one of the most valuable languages to learn, especially for school (including higher education like university and college), work, or travel. Plus, you now have plenty of tools and resources that simplify the learning process and make it more enjoyable.
If you want to know how to learn English the fun way, follow the steps below and start learning!
1. Assess Your Current English Level
Language learning progresses in stages, and knowing where you stand is the most crucial step. Study materials, resources, and courses are typically designed for specific levels. Accurate assessment helps you choose the right approach and set realistic goals, especially when planning your timeline for fluency.
For example, ILAC student Anna Moro, 53, came to Canada knowing very little English. She started her English language learning journey at the beginner level (General English), allowing her to build a solid foundation, track her progress, and stay motivated as she advanced.
Learn more: How to Determine Your English Proficiency Levels
2. Change Your Phone & Social Media Settings to English
Exposure and time are the best English teachers. And where do people spend most of their time?
Simply changing the default language of your phone to English is the easiest way to immerse yourself in the language without extra study time. Plus, it’s a good way to learn new vocabulary words that are relevant to modern life.
3. Learn by Imitation
Babies learn language by imitating the sounds and patterns they hear. Regardless of age, we also learn language in a similar way, so feel free to imitate!
Don’t just listen to native English speakers talk, watch them. Pay attention to their mouth movements, facial expressions, and body language. Next time you watch a podcast on YouTube or listen to Taylor Swift’s new song, try copying how they form words and convey meaning and emotion.
If this doesn’t help you speak English more naturally and boost your listening skills, it will at least improve your karaoke performance. That’s a win in any language!
4. Build Basic Skills (But Avoid Learning Word by Word)
When people first plan how to learn English step-by-step, their first instinct is to start memorizing vocabulary lists. While that’s effective in its own way, many learners find the exercise tedious (and quite frankly, boring).
If that sounds like you, here’s a good alternative: learn language in “chunks” instead of single words. Focus on learning high-frequency sentences and phrases you can use immediately in conversation, like:
- Nice to meet you.
- How does this work?
- Can you help me with this?
- I love your dress!
- This coffee tastes good!
5. Use What You’ve Learned Immediately (And Often)
Learning English at ILAC goes beyond the classroom. Student activities provide learners with numerous opportunities to practice English in a relaxed and supportive environment. Many students feel shy about speaking English in public, especially at the beginning.
Practicing with other international students makes it easier because everyone shares a similar perspective and experiences. There’s no pressure, no judgment, and no need to be shy. It’s a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and grow together!
6. Roleplay (“How Would I Use This in a Personal Situation?”)
If you don’t have many opportunities to practice English in real-time, create your own.
- Practice common scenarios alone, with a partner, or in an online language exchange.
- Roleplay situations like ordering at a restaurant, making a phone call, or answering a job interview question. If you have an upcoming trip, practice asking for directions or booking accommodations.
- Try acting out scenes from your favourite movie, show, or book. If you feel a little extra, mimic the characters’ expressions and emotions for added practice.
The key is to build your vocabulary and muscle memory so when actual events happen, you can quickly think on your feet.
7. Expose Yourself to English Media
Movies, TV shows, books, and music are often the best learning materials for international students learning English. They’re affordable, accessible, engaging, and highly immersive. Plus, they teach you cultural context that’s often missing from textbooks or Duolingo.
Learn more: How to Improve Your English Through Mass Media
8. Get Feedback From Native English Speakers
When someone learning your native language speaks, you instantly notice when they don’t say or choose the words correctly. That “ping” of intuition is exactly what a native English speaker can offer you.
Seek out feedback from teachers, language partners, or conversation groups. International language schools, such as ILAC, typically offer school clubs, social events, and activities designed explicitly for this purpose. Plus, you get new friends!
9. Visit or Study Abroad
Staying in an English-speaking country like Canada helps you learn the language fast because you’re forced to use it. You can’t fall back on your native language, so every interaction becomes essential practice. Even simple tasks like reading signs sharpen your comprehension.
The longer you stay, the more natural your English becomes. However, even short-term trips or study sprints can be exceedingly helpful, as the immersion really accelerates learning.
Learn more: Benefits of Studying Abroad
10. Take English Courses (Online or Offline, Both Work!)
While self-study can be valuable, structured courses remain the best way to learn English systematically. Nowadays, English courses aren’t just the same boring, repetitive, and memorization-driven lessons from decades ago.
At the very least, award-winning language schools like ILAC offer a fun and supportive learning environment. Our face-to-face and online language courses (KISS) incorporate interactive activities, group discussions, and real-world scenarios to enhance learning.
They’re interactive, engaging, and flexible. Not only are you getting lessons tailored to your English proficiency level, but you’re also getting access to expert feedback and personalized guidance.
Tip: Both online and offline courses are effective, so choose the option that works best for your lifestyle.
In Summary
- Assessing your current English level helps you choose the right study materials and set realistic goals.
- Immersion (consuming media, studying abroad, changing phone language settings) and practice (imitation, role-playing, immediate use of new knowledge) are the most effective language teachers.
- Learn phrases and sentences, not just individual words, to understand better and retain new vocabulary.
Take structured courses (online or offline) for systematic progress. Be sure to choose a reputable school!
FAQs
Remember, language learning is a journey, not a race.
Learn English the Right Way with ILAC
Ready to discover how to learn English more effectively? ILAC offers award-winning courses for every level of English, whether you’re just prepared to say “hello” or planning to debate Philosophy. Our interactive programs combine expert instruction with real-world practice in a supportive, energetic environment. No boring drills here!
Get personalized guidance, make international friends, and actually enjoy the process. Apply now to get started today!
